Algae colors the surface of siliceous sinter terraces at the Orakei Korako thermal area. This geothermal area is one of the principal hydrothermal fields of the Taupo Volcanic Zone. It lies on the banks of the Waikato River where the Paeroa Fault divides into smaller branches that intersect the E margin of the Maroa Volcanic Center. Orakei Korako contains sinter sheets covering an area of about 1 km². Flooding of the river hydroelectric power generation has drowned about 70% of the hot springs.

Photo by Richard Wysoczanski, 1994 (Smithsonian Institution).

This image is made available under the Public Domain Dedication CC0 license, but proper attribution is appreciated.

Galleries: Geothermal Features

Keywords: mineral deposit | geothermal

Maroa